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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2096

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-dem...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery approaches the mate-demate device, or MDD, at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The MDD is a large gantry-like steel str... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is raised into the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2168

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is raised into the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to tow a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to the mate-demate device for mating with space shuttle Discovery. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a Boeing 747 jet originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2209

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers prepare to tow a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft to the mate-demate device for mating with space shuttle Discov... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is being transported out from its checkout building for a short trip to a launch position at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is designed to demonstrate new green propellant propulsion systems and autonomous landing and an Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, system. Checkout of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF site will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-4110

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed veh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is being transported out from its checkout building for a short trip to a launch position at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steady progress is made on the construction of the hazard field for the Project Morpheus lander near the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus utilizes an autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, payload that will allow it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3659

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steady progress is made on the construction of ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steady progress is made on the construction of the hazard field for the Project Morpheus lander near the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Te... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard presents the U.S. flag which flew over the station to David Carter, Near Earth Network project manager at Goddard Space Flight Center, during a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The flag will be displayed in a Network Integration Center display cabinet at Goddard. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6000

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard presents the U.S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the arrival of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, in the background. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2200

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft prepares to touch down on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2006

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft prepares to touch ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft prepares to touch down on the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended above the ground at the mate-demate device during operations to place it on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2167

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Fa...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun comes up over the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended above the ground at the mate-demate device during ope... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The hazard field for the Project Morpheus lander is conveniently located near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the distance is the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. Testing of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus utilizes an autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, payload that will allow it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA's Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3360

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The hazard field for the Project Morpheus lande...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The hazard field for the Project Morpheus lander is conveniently located near the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. In the distance is the 525-foot-tall... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steady progress is made to prepare equipment for construction of the launch platform for the Project Morpheus lander at the midfield of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Testing of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus utilizes an autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, payload that will allow it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-3747

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steady progress is made to prepare equipment fo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Steady progress is made to prepare equipment for construction of the launch platform for the Project Morpheus lander at the midfield of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Ken... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, completes the turn on runway 15 in preparation for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2359

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, completes t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises, preparations are under way for the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carrying space shuttle Discovery to back out of the Shuttle Landing Facility's mate-demate device at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2250

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises, preparations are under way fo...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – As the sun rises, preparations are under way for the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft carrying space shuttle Discovery to back out of the Shuttle Landing Facility's mate-demate device at NASA’s K... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down the runway for a takeoff at 7 a.m. EDT to deliver Discovery to its new home. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2356

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, taxies down... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home receives permission for a 7-a.m. takeoff from the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2394

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home receives permission for a 7-a.m. takeoff from the control tower at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A T-38 jet taxis onto the apron of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The jet is at Kennedy to support space shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight. The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft designated NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, and is assigned to all remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. After its arrival at Dulles, Discovery will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidaki KSC-2012-2330

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A T-38 jet taxis onto the apron of the Shuttle ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A T-38 jet taxis onto the apron of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The jet is at Kennedy to support space shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft moves into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended 60 feet off the ground in the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2232

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft moves into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended 60 feet off the ground ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle is being checked out. A rock and crater-filled planetary scape, has been built so engineers can test the Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, system on the Project Morpheus lander. Checkout of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF site will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-4163

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facilit...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - At the north end of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle is being checked out. A rock and crat... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1994

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apr...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft approaches the apron of the runway at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:3... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted off the ground into the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2155

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is lifted off the ground into the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to positi... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane on the mate-demate device lifts space shuttle Discovery from the ground. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2159

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a crane on the mate-demate device lifts space shuttle Discovery from the ground. Operations are under way to pos... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media snap photos as space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is set to begin their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia at about 7 a.m. EDT. Above the two craft is a NASA helicopter covering the departure. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-2422

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media snap photos as space shuttle Discovery, m...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Media snap photos as space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, slowly rolls along the runway of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florid... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to the Los Angeles International Airport on Sept. 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the final ferry mission. Endeavour will be placed on permanent public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2012-4946

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched d...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, touched down at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida at 5:05 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Endeavour’s ferry flight to t... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is moved into a building at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is designed to demonstrate new green propellant propulsion systems and autonomous landing and an Autonomous Landing and Hazard Avoidance Technology, or ALHAT, system. Checkout of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for its first free flight. The SLF site will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html Photo credit: NASA/ Charisse Nahser KSC-2012-4029

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed veh...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - NASA's Morpheus lander, a vertical test bed vehicle, is moved into a building at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Morpheus is designed to demo... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The “pathfinder” aircraft for space shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight taxis onto the apron of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The NASA C-9 aircraft will fly about 100 miles ahead of Discovery to scout for the safest route between destinations. Its crew includes an SCA flight engineer who studies the weather patterns along the flight path to find a route free of rain and other turbulence. The carrier aircraft, also known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, and is assigned to all remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. After its arrival at Dulles, Discovery will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidaki KSC-2012-2327

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The “pathfinder” aircraft for space shuttle Dis...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The “pathfinder” aircraft for space shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight taxis onto the apron of the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The NASA C-9 aircra... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended in the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Jacobs KSC-2012-2244

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a worker guides the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft into position under space shuttle Discovery suspended in the mate-d... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery in order to lift it onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft with the aid of the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2126

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers secure a sling to space shuttle Discovery in order to lift it onto the top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard folds the U.S. flag for the last time at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5999

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard folds the U.S. f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery and its companion T-38 jet fly over Space Launch Complex-17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after taking off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities, offering residents the opportunity to see the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Lorne Mathre KSC-2012-2415

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery and its companion T-38 jet fly over Space Launch Complex-17 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station after taking off from NAS... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians work on the buildup of a movable launch platform for the Project Morpheus lander at the midfield of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF. Testing of the prototype lander has been ongoing at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston in preparation for free flight. The SLF will provide the lander with the kind of field necessary for realistic testing, complete with rocks, craters and hazards to avoid. Morpheus utilizes an autonomous landing and hazard avoidance technology, or ALHAT, payload that will allow it to navigate to clear landing sites amidst rocks, craters and other hazards during its descent. Project Morpheus is one of 20 small projects comprising the Advanced Exploration Systems, or AES, program in NASA’s Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorate. AES projects pioneer new approaches for rapidly developing prototype systems, demonstrating key capabilities and validating operational concepts for future human missions beyond Earth orbit. For more information on Project Morpheus, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/exploration/morpheus/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2013-3109

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, tech...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians work on the buildup of a movable launch platform for the Project Morpheus lander at the midfield of the Shuttle Landing Facility, or... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds preparations under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the background. The lift will be accomplished with the aid of a mate-demate device, or MDD, a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of an SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. Discovery’s new home will be the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-2088

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SL...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility, or SLF, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida finds preparations under way to lift space shuttle Discovery onto the back of the Shuttle Carri... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT and makes a flyby near the 525-foot-tall Vehicle Assembly Building. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2459

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT and makes a ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach space shuttle Discovery to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the mate-demate device. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2240

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, workers attach space shuttle Discovery to the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in the mate-demate device. The device,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over Brevard County’s beach communities for residents to get a look at the shuttle before it leaves the Space Coast for the last time. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia today, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2374

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft transporting space shuttle Discovery to its new home departs from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo are heading south to fly over ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off from runway 15 at 7 a.m. EDT. The SCA will deliver Discovery to its new home. The aircraft, known as an SCA, is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson KSC-2012-2365

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the early morning hours at NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, with space shuttle Discovery secured atop, takes off f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under way to position Discovery on top of a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft in preparation for its departure from Kennedy on Tuesday. A tail cone has been installed over Discovery’s three replica shuttle main engines to reduce aerodynamic drag and turbulence during the ferry flight. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2177

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Before daybreak at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery hovers above the ground at the mate-demate device. Operations are under ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is in position in the mate/demate device so that space shuttle Discovery can be lowered and attached to it. Known as the MDD, the devise is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet that was originally manufactured for commercial use and modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2268

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Florida, the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, is in position in the mate/demate device so that space shuttle Discovery can be l... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is beginning its ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia that also includes a flyby of the Space Coast and Washington, D.C. Also flying along with the pair is a T-38 training jet. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency’s most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., on April 19 where it will be place on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Tim Powers and Rick Wetherington KSC-2012-2458

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, or SCA, takes off from NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility runway 15 in Florida at 7 a.m. EDT. The duo is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the arrival of the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft. The device, known as the MDD, is a large gantry-like steel structure used to hoist a shuttle off the ground and position it onto the back of the aircraft, or SCA. The SCA is a Boeing 747 jet, originally manufactured for commercial use, which was modified by NASA to transport the shuttles between destinations on Earth. The SCA designated NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 905 is scheduled to ferry Discovery to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia on April 17, after which the shuttle will be placed on display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis KSC-2012-2201

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kenne...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, space shuttle Discovery is suspended 60 feet off the ground inside the mate-demate device in preparation for the... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, rises just after 7 a.m. EDT from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is beginning their 3 1/2 hour ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. Discovery is leaving Kennedy after more than 28 years of service beginning with its arrival on the space coast Nov. 9, 1983. Discovery first launched to space Aug. 30, 1984, on the STS-41D mission. Discovery is the agency's most-flown shuttle with 39 missions, more than 148 million miles and a total of one year in space. Discovery is set to move to the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center on April 19 where it will be placed on public display. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/transition. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2012-2387

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle C...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Space shuttle Discovery, mounted to a Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, rises just after 7 a.m. EDT from the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The duo is beginni... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crawler-transporter creeps toward Mobile Launcher Platform-2, or MLP-2, on the hardstand at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Operations are underway to move the MLP to a nearby park site in Launch Complex 39. The historic launch pad was the site from which numerous Apollo and space shuttle missions began and is beginning a new mission as a commercial launch site. NASA signed a property agreement with Space Exploration Technologies Corp., or SpaceX, of Hawthorne, California, on April 14 for use and occupancy of the seaside complex along Florida's central east coast. It will serve as a platform for SpaceX to support their commercial launch activities. For more information on Launch Pad 39A, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167416main_LC39-08.pdf. For learn more about the crawler-transporter, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167402main_crawlertransporters07.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2014-2618

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crawler-transporter creeps toward Mobile Lau...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A crawler-transporter creeps toward Mobile Launcher Platform-2, or MLP-2, on the hardstand at Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Operations are underway to move th... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1298-05

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1296-01

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1298-06

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1298-02

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1297-11

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1297-06

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boeing 747. Over the next seven months Atlantis will be prepared for its maiden voyage, STS-51J. Atlantis, NASA's fourth space-rated shuttle, was named after the two-masted boat that served as the primary research vessel for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute in Massachusetts from 1930 to 1966. The boat had a 17-member crew and accommodated up to five scientists who worked in two onboard laboratories, examining water samples and marine life. Like its predecessors, Atlantis was constructed by Rockwell International in Palmdale, Calif. The spacecraft was transported over land from Palmdale to Edwards Air Force Base on April 3, 1985 for the cross-country ferry flight to Kennedy. For more: http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/shuttleoperations/orbiters/atlantis-info.html Photo credit: NASA/Louie Rochefort KSC-385C-1296-02

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – At the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the new space shuttle, Atlantis, arrives at the Shuttle Landing Facility. The shuttle is mounted atop the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft, a modified Boei... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35 p.m. EDT to prepare for shuttle Discovery’s ferry flight to the Washington Dulles International Airport in Sterling, Va., on April 17. This SCA, designated NASA 905, is a modified Boeing 747 jet airliner, originally manufactured for commercial use. One of two SCAs employed over the course of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA 905 is assigned to the remaining ferry missions, delivering the shuttles to their permanent public display sites. NASA 911 was decommissioned at the NASA Dryden Flight Research Center in California in February. Discovery will be placed on permanent public display in the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. For more information on the SCA, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/news/FactSheets/FS-013-DFRC.html. For more information on shuttle transition and retirement activities, visit http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1999

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mat...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Shuttle Carrier Aircraft parks near the mate/demate device at the Shuttle Landing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The aircraft, known as an SCA, arrived at 5:35... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Waiting for the arrival of the Liberty Bell 7 after its raising from the ocean floor. Liberty Bell 7 launched U.S. Air Force Captain Virgil "Gus" Grissom July 21, 1961 on a mission that lasted 15 minutes and 37 seconds before sinking to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, three miles deep. It lay undetected for nearly four decades before a Discovery Channel expedition located it and recovered it. The space capsule is now restored and preserved, and part of an interactive exhibit touring science centers and museums in 12 cities throughout the United States until 2003. The exhibit includes hands-on elements such as a capsule simulator, a centrifuge, and ROV pilot. KSC-99pp1034

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Waiting for the arrival of the Liberty B...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- Waiting for the arrival of the Liberty Bell 7 after its raising from the ocean floor. Liberty Bell 7 launched U.S. Air Force Captain Virgil "Gus" Grissom July 21, 1961 on a missio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Reconstruction from the original architectural plans of the keeper's house, next to the historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, is planned by the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation. The lighthouse currently is owned by the U.S. Air Force. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3141

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Reconstruction from the original architectural...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Reconstruction from the original architectural plans of the keeper's house, next to the historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, is planned by the Ca... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A daisy thrives amidst the natural vegetation surrounding the historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The lighthouse currently is owned by the U.S. Air Force. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3144

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A daisy thrives amidst the natural vegetation ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A daisy thrives amidst the natural vegetation surrounding the historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The lighthouse currently is owned by the U.S. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida serves as a navigational aid for boaters and fishing interests along Florida's Atlantic coast. The U.S. Coast Guard operates the lighthouse's beacon the U.S. Air Force owns the lighthouse. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3142

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Cana...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida serves as a navigational aid for boaters and fishing interests along Florida's Atlantic coast. The U.S. C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The U.S. Coast Guard operates the beacon of the historic Cape Canaveral Light as an active navigational aid. The lighthouse resides on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is owned by the U.S. Air Force. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3139

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The U.S. Coast Guard operates the beacon of th...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The U.S. Coast Guard operates the beacon of the historic Cape Canaveral Light as an active navigational aid. The lighthouse resides on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida and is ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Natural vegetation surrounds the historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The low structure to the right of the lighthouse is the original oil house. The U.S. Air Force now owns the lighthouse. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3143

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Natural vegetation surrounds the historic Cape...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Natural vegetation surrounds the historic Cape Canaveral Light on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The low structure to the right of the lighthouse is the original oil house.... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Commercial Crew Program manager Ed Mango. For more information, go to http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/mango.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1895

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Commercial Crew Program manager Ed Mango. For...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Commercial Crew Program manager Ed Mango. For more information, go to http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/mango.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The historic Cape Canaveral Light, now owned by the U.S. Air Force, has resided in its current spot on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida since 1894. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3140

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The historic Cape Canaveral Light, now owned b...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- The historic Cape Canaveral Light, now owned by the U.S. Air Force, has resided in its current spot on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida since 1894. The first lighthouse on ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is home to the historic Cape Canaveral Light, a lighthouse built circa 1868 and now owned by the U.S. Air Force. The first lighthouse on Cape Canaveral was built near the tip of the Cape in 1848. The structure was only about 60 feet high with a rather dim light powered by whale oil. In 1859, work began nearby on a new, taller iron structure. Construction was halted during the Civil War, and the lighthouse was not finished until 1868. The structure, with a brick lining inside its iron exterior, was painted with its "daymark" black and white horizontal bands in 1873 to make it easier to identify during the day as a navigation point. Between 1892 and 1894, the lighthouse was dismantled and moved to a new location about a mile from the coast, where it stands today. For more information on the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. Photo credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky KSC-2014-3138

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida is home to the historic Cape Canaveral Light, a lighthouse built circa 1868 and now owned by the U.S. Air Force. The first lighthouse on Ca... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from left) listens to a guest at a dinner held in O'Keefe's honor. Center Director Roy Bridges is seen behind O'Keefe. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. He was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's 10th chief KSC-02pd0133

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from left) listens to a guest at a dinner held in O'Keefe's honor. Center Director Roy Bridges is seen behind O'Keefe. The adminis... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe talks to guests at a dinner in his honor held at KSC. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide tour of NASA field centers. He was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's 10th chief KSC-02pd0132

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe talks to guests at a dinner in his honor held at KSC. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide tour of NASA field centers. He was no... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (right) is greeted by KSC's Director of External Relations and Business Development JoAnn H. Morgan (left) after his arrival at KSC. Next to Morgan is Deputy Director James Jennings, also greeting others exiting the plane. O'Keefe is touring agency field centers. O'Keefe was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's 10th chief KSC-02pd0126

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Kee...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (right) is greeted by KSC's Director of External Relations and Business Development JoAnn H. Morgan (left) after his arrival at KSC. Nex... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (at right) listens to a guest at a dinner held in O'Keefe's honor. Center Director Roy Bridges is seen in the background. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. He was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's 10th chief KSC-02pd0134

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (at right) listens to a guest at a dinner held in O'Keefe's honor. Center Director Roy Bridges is seen in the background. The administrator... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from right) sits in on the Flight Readiness Review for mission STS-109. O'Keefe is at KSC as part of his tour of agency field centers. O'Keefe was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's 10th chief KSC-02pd0127

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from right) sits in on the Flight Readiness Review for mission STS-109. O'Keefe is at KSC as part of his tour of agency field cente... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe listens to Director of International Space Station/Payload Processing Tip Talone (right) talk about the elements of the Space Station. Behind them is the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Raffaello, which last flew on mission STS-108 and returned Dec. 17, 2001. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. He was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's 10th chief KSC-02pd0137

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -- In the Space Station Processing Facility, the new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe listens to Director of International Space Station/Payload Processing Tip Talone (right) talk abou... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (left) is presented with a can of Bush's original baked beans by space reporter Jim Banke in the KSC Newsroom. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. He was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's tenth chief KSC-02pd0146

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (left) is presented with a can of Bush's original baked beans by space reporter Jim Banke in the KSC Newsroom. The administrator was at KSC o... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from left) is interviewed by the press in the KSC Newsroom. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. He was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency's tenth chief KSC-02pd0145

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - The new NASA Administrator Sean O'Keefe (second from left) is interviewed by the press in the KSC Newsroom. The administrator was at KSC on an agencywide familiarization tour of NAS... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. (left) wishes farewell to NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, who toured KSC as part of an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. O’Keefe was nominated for the position as administrator in November 2001 by President George W. Bush. He was sworn in Dec. 21 as the agency’s 10th chief KSC-02pd0148

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. (left) wi...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Center Director Roy Bridges Jr. (left) wishes farewell to NASA Administrator Sean O’Keefe, who toured KSC as part of an agencywide familiarization tour of NASA field centers. O’Kee... More

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Official portrait of Rex Geveden, NASA Associate Administrator. Rex Geveden is the associate administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In this position, he is responsible for all technical operations of the Agency. He works directly with the Administrator to develop strategy and policy and has direct oversight of all NASA’s programs and field centers. Photo credit: NASA/Bill Ingalls. KSC-05pd2343

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Official portrait of Rex Geveden, NASA ...

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. - Official portrait of Rex Geveden, NASA Associate Administrator. Rex Geveden is the associate administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. In this position,... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew, including the slidewire system. With the simulated emergency in play, Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers aided in the extraction and rescue of the crew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0926

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cen...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, particip... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew, in this case from the 195-foot level of the fixed service structure. With the simulated emergency in play, Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers aided in the extraction and rescue of the crew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0929

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, partici... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew, including the slidewire system. With the simulated emergency in play, Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers aided in the extraction and rescue of the crew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0927

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, partici... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew, including the slidewire system. With the simulated emergency in play, Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers aided in the extraction and rescue of the crew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0928

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Ce...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, partici... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew. With the simulated emergency in play, Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers aided in the extraction and rescue of the crew. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-08pd0925

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Cent...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- On Launch Pad 39B at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, a group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation, from Launch Pad 39B. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew. Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers transported the flight and ground crews to a triage site. Simulated injuries were treated and those with serious injuries were evacuated by helicopter to local hospitals. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0931

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation, from Launch Pad 39B. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew. Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers transported the flight and ground crews to a triage site. Simulated injuries were treated and those with serious injuries were evacuated by helicopter to local hospitals. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0932

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from K...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referr... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also referred to as the Mode II/IV Simulation, from Launch Pad 39B. During the exercise, an emergency condition during launch countdown was simulated and participants did their parts to perform an emergency egress of the flight and ground crew. Fire Rescue and Closeout Crew workers transported the flight and ground crews to a triage site. Simulated injuries were treated and those with serious injuries were evacuated by helicopter to local hospitals. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-08pd0930

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from ...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A group of NASA and contractor workers from Kennedy Space Center and other NASA centers, along with the Department of Defense, participate in a flight crew evacuation drill, also refer... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Official portrait of Tracy Anania, director of Human Resources at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To learn more about Anania, go to www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biographies/anania.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kevin O'Connell KSC-08PD-2047

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Official portrait of Tracy Anania, director of...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Official portrait of Tracy Anania, director of Human Resources at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. To learn more about Anania, go to www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/biograp... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the midst of space-age structures, a monolith born in another era of exploration. Located near Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Coast Guard transferred ownership in 2000 of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the U.S. Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. A restoration of the lighthouse was completed by the Air Force in 2007. The Coast Guard continues to maintain the beacon as an active navigational aid. For the history of the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. For current information, visit http://www.CanaveralLight.org. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5351

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the mid...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the midst of space-age structures, a monolith born in another era of exploration. Located near Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the midst of space-age structures, a monolith born in another era of exploration. Located near Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Coast Guard transferred ownership in 2000 of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the U.S. Air Force, which is now responsible for maintaining it. A restoration of the lighthouse was completed by the Air Force in 2007. The Coast Guard continues to maintain the beacon as an active navigational aid. For the history of the lighthouse, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html. For current information, visit http://www.CanaveralLight.org. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2009-5352

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the mid...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the midst of space-age structures, a monolith born in another era of exploration. Located near Launch Complex 36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Stati... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the midst of space-age structures, a monolith born in another era of exploration. Located near Launch Complex-36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, the Coast Guard transferred ownership in 2000 of the lighthouse structure and its grounds to the U.S. Air Force. A restoration of the lighthouse was completed by the Air Force in 2007. The Coast Guard continues to maintain the beacon as an active navigational aid. The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse Foundation supports the Air Force with activities associated with the lighthouse. For its history, visit www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/history/lighthouse.html or canaverallight.org. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2010-4651

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the mid...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. --The Cape Canaveral Lighthouse stands in the midst of space-age structures, a monolith born in another era of exploration. Located near Launch Complex-36 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Statio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tourists check out the Orion launch abort system mock-up, called pathfinder, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The nearly 45-foot-long mock-up traveled from the U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico aboard a flatbed trailer, making stops at museums and science centers in Denver, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia along the way. Before its cross-country journey, the mock-up was used to practice lifting and stacking operations for the Pad Abort-1 flight test at White Sands. Next, it will be used at Kennedy for similar operations. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2010-5367

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tourists check out the Orion launch abort syst...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tourists check out the Orion launch abort system mock-up, called pathfinder, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The nearly 45-foot-long mock-up traveled from the U.S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tourists check out the Orion launch abort system mock-up, called pathfinder, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The nearly 45-foot-long mock-up traveled from the U.S. Army's White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico aboard a flatbed trailer, making stops at museums and science centers in Denver, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia along the way. Before its cross-country journey, the mock-up was used to practice lifting and stacking operations for the Pad Abort-1 flight test at White Sands. Next, it will be used at Kennedy for similar operations. For information on NASA's future plans, visit www.nasa.gov. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2010-5370

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tourists check out the Orion launch abort syst...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Tourists check out the Orion launch abort system mock-up, called pathfinder, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida. The nearly 45-foot-long mock-up traveled from the U.S... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A backscatter device continues to give engineers data on the intertank region of space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank while it is in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Engineers at various NASA centers are analyzing, testing and imaging the intertank's support beams, called stringers, to make sure the tank is structurally sound for flight. Discovery's next launch opportunity to the International Space Station on the STS-133 mission is no earlier than Feb. 3, 2011. For more information on STS-133, visit www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts133/. Photo credit: NASA/Jack Pfaller KSC-2011-1007

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A backscatter device continues to give enginee...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- A backscatter device continues to give engineers data on the intertank region of space shuttle Discovery's external fuel tank while it is in the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA's Kenne... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Employees at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida gathered in the Press Site parking lot, with the towering Vehicle Assembly Building in the background on June 27, 2011, to record a wake-up call to Atlantis' STS-135 crew members on NASA’s last voyage aboard a space shuttle. Use of music to awaken astronauts on space missions dates back at least to the Apollo Program, when astronauts returning from the moon were serenaded by their colleagues in mission control with lyrics from popular songs that seemed appropriate for the occasion. Usually picked by flight controllers or by crew members’ friends and family members, most wake-up calls are musical, but sometimes include dialog from movies or TV shows. The recording is usually followed by a call from the CAPCOM in Mission Control, wishing the crew a good morning but because this is the final mission for the Space Shuttle Program many of the NASA centers were given the opportunity to choose a phrase that most represents their best wishes and gratitude for a successful mission. The common element of all these selections is that they promote a sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps among the astronauts and ground support personnel. Photo credit: Cory Huston KSC-2011-4892

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Employees at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Fl...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Employees at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida gathered in the Press Site parking lot, with the towering Vehicle Assembly Building in the background on June 27, 2011, to record a wa... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard lowers the U.S. flag for the last time at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5996

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard lowers the U.S. ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Gary Morse, MILA station director, addresses those in attendance at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6002

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Gary Morse, MILA station director, addresses those in a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media representatives, family members, and current and former employees, attend a closing ceremony for the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA Station Director Gary Morse presides over the ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5991

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media representatives, family members, and cur...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Media representatives, family members, and current and former employees, attend a closing ceremony for the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Statio... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Michael Leinbach addresses those in attendance at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5994

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Shuttle Launch Director Michael Leinbach addresses thos... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, former and current employees of the station mingle at a reception following a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6001

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, former and current employees of the station mingle at a... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of two signature 30-foot steerable S-band antennas is slewed from the horizontal to the vertical position for the last time during a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The antenna was pointed at Kennedy's Shuttle Landing Facility as it was for its last assignment, support of the landing of space shuttle Atlantis, concluding the STS-135 mission. STS-135 was the final mission of the Space Shuttle Program. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6005

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one of two signature 30-foot steerable S-band antennas ... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jeff Volosin, associate director, Exploration and Communications, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, addresses those in attendance at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5992

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Jeff Volosin, associate director, Exploration and Commu... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard folds the U.S. flag for the last time at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-5998

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Patrick Air Force Base Color Guard folds the U.S. f... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Phil Liebrecht, deputy program manager, Space Communications and Navigation Network (SCaN), NASA Headquarters, addresses those in attendance at a closing ceremony recognizing the station's 45 years of service. The station was originally established by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center as one of 17 Space Flight Tracking and Data Network stations around the world. Commissioned for the Apollo Program, the first launch it supported was the Apollo/Saturn 203 test flight from Launch Complex 37 on July 5, 1966. It also provided orbital support for low earth-orbiting scientific satellites. In recent history, the station has been used almost exclusively for space shuttle launch and landing support. Following the final launch and landing of the Space Shuttle Program in July 2011, the MILA station is officially decommissioned. For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167424main_MILA-08C.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2011-6003

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spac...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At the Merritt Island Launch Annex (MILA) Spaceflight Tracking and Data Network Station at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Phil Liebrecht, deputy program manager, Space Communica... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 5.5-million-pound crawler transporters await the opportunity to support NASA's future spaceflight programs. The crawlers originally were built to support the Saturn rockets in NASA's Apollo lunar landing program. The image was taken from the top of the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB). For more information, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/167402main_crawlertransporters07.pdf. Photo credit: Frankie Martin KSC-2011-6362

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the 5.5-million-pound crawler transporters await the opportunity to support NASA's future spaceflight programs. The crawlers originally were b... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Exhibits from several NASA centers are on display for the nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The event was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center in Kissimmee, Fla., and hosted by nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner during the extended Labor Day weekend Sept. 1-4. Besides offering attendees the opportunity to visit tourist attractions in the Orlando area, the reunion gave NASA education specialists an avenue to tout the benefits of math and scientific learning, as well as the many educational opportunities offered by the space agency. For more information on NASA's education initiatives, visit http://www.nasa.gov/education. Photo credit: NASA/Frankie Martin KSC-2011-6759

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Exhibits from several NASA centers are on disp...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Exhibits from several NASA centers are on display for the nationwide attendees of the Tom Joyner Family Reunion. The event was held in the Exhibit Hall of the Gaylord Palms Resort and C... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, pieces of the Surveyor 3 spacecraft returned from the lunar surface on the Apollo 12 mission are available for examination by the lab's staff. The GMRO Lab is one of several labs located in NASA's Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLSL) facility. The lab is staffed by three physicists, six mechanical or aerospace engineers and several technicians who are studying how the rocket exhaust of landing vehicles affects lunar and Martian science missions, including the sandblasting of instruments with soil and dust ejecta and the disturbance or contamination of soil beneath the lander. For more information on the GMRO Lab, see p. 7 of the Spaceport News dated Nov. 11, 2011, at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/603285main_nov11-2011.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-7762

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operatio...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, pieces of the Surveyor 3 spacecraft returned from the lunar surface on the Apollo 1... More

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a piece of the Surveyor 3 spacecraft returned from the lunar surface on the Apollo 12 mission is available for examination by the lab's staff. The GMRO Lab is one of several labs located in NASA's Space Life Sciences Laboratory (SLSL) facility. The lab is staffed by three physicists, six mechanical or aerospace engineers and several technicians who are studying how the rocket exhaust of landing vehicles affects lunar and Martian science missions, including the sandblasting of instruments with soil and dust ejecta and the disturbance or contamination of soil beneath the lander. For more information on the GMRO Lab, see p. 7 of the Spaceport News dated Nov. 11, 2011, at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/pdf/603285main_nov11-2011.pdf. Photo credit: NASA/Jim Grossmann KSC-2011-7763

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operatio...

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – In the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Lab at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a piece of the Surveyor 3 spacecraft returned from the lunar surface on the Apollo ... More

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana talks with members of the "12 Volt Bolt Team," which is participating in the regional FIRST robotics competition at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. The team is from Eustis, Fla., and consists of students from many Lake County schools, including Mt. Dora High, Eustis High, Tavares High, Mt. Dora Bible and homeschooled students. More than 60 high school teams took part in the competition called "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," or FIRST, in hopes of advancing to the national robotics championship. This year, the competition resembled a basketball game and was dubbed "Rebound Rumble." The game measured the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration and the determination of the teams. FIRST, founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization that designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue academic opportunities. The robotics competition challenges teams of high school students and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules. NASA is the largest sponsor of the international program. Kennedy Space Center is a sponsor of the regional event. For more information on Kennedy's education events and initiatives, go to http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/kennedy/home/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1758

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana talks w...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- NASA Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana talks with members of the "12 Volt Bolt Team," which is participating in the regional FIRST robotics competition at the University of Central Flori... More

ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school teams compete in the regional FIRST robotics competition at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. More than 60 teams took part in the competition called "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," or FIRST, in hopes of advancing to the national robotics championship. This year, the competition resembled a basketball game and was dubbed "Rebound Rumble." The game measured the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration and the determination of the teams. FIRST, founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization that designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue academic opportunities. The robotics competition challenges teams of high school students and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules. NASA is the largest sponsor of the international program. Kennedy Space Center is a sponsor of the regional event. For more information on Kennedy's education events and initiatives, go to http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/kennedy/home/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1756

ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school teams compete in the regional FIRST robot...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school teams compete in the regional FIRST robotics competition at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. More than 60 teams took part in the competition called "For Inspiratio... More

ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school teams compete in the regional FIRST robotics competition at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. More than 60 teams took part in the competition called "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology," or FIRST, in hopes of advancing to the national robotics championship. This year, the competition resembled a basketball game and was dubbed "Rebound Rumble." The game measured the effectiveness of each robot, the power of collaboration and the determination of the teams. FIRST, founded in 1989, is a non-profit organization that designs accessible, innovative programs to build self-confidence, knowledge and life skills while motivating young people to pursue academic opportunities. The robotics competition challenges teams of high school students and their mentors to solve a common problem in a six-week timeframe using a standard kit of parts and a common set of rules. NASA is the largest sponsor of the international program. Kennedy Space Center is a sponsor of the regional event. For more information on Kennedy's education events and initiatives, go to http://www.nasa.gov/offices/education/centers/kennedy/home/index.html. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett KSC-2012-1745

ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school teams compete in the regional FIRST robot...

ORLANDO, Fla. -- High school teams compete in the regional FIRST robotics competition at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla. More than 60 teams took part in the competition called "For Inspiratio... More

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